A Novel Technique for Pancreatic Stump Closure: Clip Ligation of the Duct and Associated Suturing of Pancreas

Abstract

Pancreatic fistula (PF) remains the primary source of morbidity after distal pancreatectomy (DP). There is currently no optimal stump closure technique to reduce PF rates. We present a novel technique for pancreatic stump closure using Clip Ligation of the duct and Associated Suturing of Pancreas (CLASP). Five patients (three females) with a median age of 65 years underwent DP and splenectomy for pancreatic body or tail tumour using the CLASP technique. Four of those operations were done laparoscopically. Only one patient developed grade A PF. No other postoperative complications were noticed. The mean length of stay was 5.4 days. The CLASP technique was applicable in both laparoscopic and open distal pancreatectomy. The key points include mobilisation of the pancreatic body from the retroperitoneum and division of the parenchyma with energy device. The technique of pancreatic stump closure involves the isolation of the pancreatic duct (PD), application of a double ligaclip on the proximal duct, division of the PD and finally suturing of the pancreatic stump. The CLASP technique is an effective and safe alternative technique to the current traditional methods of pancreatic stump closure.

Drainage volume on postoperative day one to predict clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula following distal pancreatectomy

“…Distal pancreatectomy (DP) was first performed by Billroth in 1884 and was further outlined by Mayo in 1913 [ 1 ]. This operative is the standard procedure for tumors located in the body or tail of the pancreas, such as pancreatic carcinoma, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, neuroendocrine tumors, and invasive carcinomas from other organ carcinomas including stomach and colon [ 2 ].…”